Siren 26: website updates, the missing history of netball, fencing & more
A Women in Sport Collective
We have been busy bees this week working on our brand new website!
We hope you love it as much as we do!
When we started Siren, we began with a weekly newsletter, but after six months—time sure flies when you’re having this much fun—of delivering women in sport stories, interviews and analysis, we wanted a space that you could visit to easily find the content you want.
Our newsletter will continue to drop our latest right to your inbox every Tuesday, but if you ever want to look through our archives, shop for merch or share the stories you love, sirensport.com.au is your one stop shop!
While we were working away on the website in the background, we asked the amazing Shireen Ahmed to take over the newsletter last week. She was outstanding.
Thank you to everyone who responded to, connected with and shared Shireen’s beautiful piece on the power of sport. We were honoured to publish her work and see its impact.
Our #SirenSport badges are still making their way all around the world and recently touched down in Germany!
We were blown away by the initial response to our badges so we’ve restocked and you can buy them here. All profits go directly to supporting the work we’re doing here at Siren.
In this issue
Kirby Fenwick jumps back into the history books—well, kind of—and explores the missing history of netball and the work behind the scenes to find that history. Kasey Symons caught up with French foil fencer Ysaora Thibus whose words are just as mighty as her sword as she talks about social justice and lifting up her fellow women in sport.
Gemma Bastiani talks with The Outer Sanctum’s Lucy Race about Lily Mithen’s first AFLW goal and Melbourne’s win against the Giants in the 2020 AFLW Finals. It’s a joyful footy chat that will put a smile on your dial.
Fencing and Freedom
By Kasey Symons
Image: Aurore Fouchez
French Foil Fencer Ysaora Thibus’ words are just as mighty as her sword as she talks about social justice and lifting up her fellow women in sport.
The missing history of Netball
By Kirby Fenwick
Image: Netball Australia
We’ve played netball in Australia for decades. Yet, the origins of the sport are uncertain. It’s something historians and governing bodies are working to correct.
Study: Motherhood and Sports Fandom
Temple University and Deakin University researchers are seeking participants for a study that looks at how motherhood affects sport fandom and how sport fandom affects motherhood.
Halftime Huddle
After taking a little break, Sarah and Taylor are back this week and speak to professional basketballer Bec Allen who splits her time playing for the Australian Opals and in the WNBA for New York Liberty.
For those of us who are stuck inside again in Melbourne, or feeling the ongoing anxiety of COVID-19, this is an episode you will want to hear. Bec has made some tough calls in her professional career recently and her story makes for a relatable and inspiring listen. And with Basketball Australia announcing the Australian 2020 Senior National Women’s Opals Squad this week, it’s a perfect time to get Bec in your ears!
Congratulations to Lydia Williams for signing with Arsenal last week!
Liana Buratti wrote this fantastic piece on Lydia – make sure you check it out!
We are loving seeing so many of our Matildas sign these amazing contracts with international clubs to show the world just what us Aussies can do!
Samantha Lewis writes on the report released by the French Football Federation which explains the economic and social impact of hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup—it bodes well for Australia and New Zealand in 2023!
Last week The Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) Executive Committee announced the appointment of former Matilda Kathryn Gill and former A-League player Beau Busch as PFA co-Chief Executives. Great to see representation in this way.
We are thrilled for Chiney Ogwumike for becoming a new co-host of an ESPN daily national radio show. She is the first black woman, and first WNBA player to do so.
The WNBA 2020 regular season will begin on July 25 with its opening weekend to be dedicated to the Black Lives Matter movement.
When the WNBA returns, players will wear the names of women killed by police on their jerseys.
Basketball Australia has announced the Australian 2020 Senior National Women’s Opals Squad.
Check out this online book discussion group for the recently released “Developing Sport for Women and Girls".
Super Netball has started a new video series called ‘Our Stories’ featuring the stories of athletes you don’t normally get to here. This week it’s West Coast Fever captain Courtney Bruce. Be sure to check it out and keep an eye out for new ones.
And we are sending lots of love and congratulations to netball superstar Nat Medhurst and her partner Sam on the arrival of baby Edison last week!
Watch out world, the Aussies are coming for you!
Runner up
We couldn’t agree with you more Tziarra.
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